How to calculate percentage discount between two numbers: Understanding how to calculate percentage discounts is essential, whether you’re shopping online, buying groceries, or making bulk purchases. Knowing how much you’re saving helps in making better financial decisions. In this detailed guide, we will explain step-by-step how to calculate the percentage discount between two numbers using simple formulas and real-life examples.
Table of Contents
What is a Percentage Discount?
A percentage discount is a reduction in the original price of an item expressed as a percentage. It helps customers understand how much they are saving in relation to the actual price. For example, if an item originally costs ₹1,000 and is available at a 20% discount, it means the price is reduced by ₹200, and the final price is ₹800.
Formula to Calculate Percentage Discount
The standard formula to calculate a percentage discount is:
Discount Percentage = [(Original Price – Discounted Price) / Original Price] × 100
Step-by-Step Process to Calculate Percentage Discount
- Find the Original Price (OP): This is the actual price before any discount is applied.
- Find the Discounted Price (DP): This is the new price after the discount is deducted.
- Subtract the Discounted Price from the Original Price: This gives the discount amount.
- Divide the Discount Amount by the Original Price.
- Multiply the Result by 100 to get the percentage discount.
Example Calculation:
Suppose you are buying a smartphone originally priced at ₹25,000, but due to a special sale, the price has been reduced to ₹20,000. Let’s calculate the discount percentage using the formula:
Discount Percentage = [(25,000 – 20,000) / 25,000] × 100
= (5,000 / 25,000) × 100
= 0.2 × 100
= 20%
So, you are getting a 20% discount on the smartphone.
Using Percentage Discount in Daily Life
- Festive Sales: Online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart offer heavy discounts during festive seasons. Calculating percentage discounts helps you determine the best deals.
- Grocery Shopping: Many supermarkets provide “Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% Off” offers. Understanding percentage discounts ensures you are actually getting a good deal.
- Electronics & Gadgets: If a laptop originally priced at ₹70,000 is available for ₹63,000, you can quickly check whether the discount is worth it.
Using a Simple Trick to Calculate Discounts Faster
Instead of always using a calculator, use these mental math shortcuts:
- For 10% Discount: Just move the decimal one place to the left. Example: 10% of ₹5,000 = ₹500.
- For 20% Discount: First find 10%, then double it. Example: 20% of ₹5,000 = ₹1,000.
- For 50% Discount: Simply divide by 2. Example: 50% of ₹8,000 = ₹4,000.
- For 5% Discount: First find 10%, then divide it by 2. Example: 5% of ₹3,000 = ₹150.
Online Tools for Percentage Discount Calculation
If you don’t want to calculate manually, you can use online calculators available on Google. Simply enter the original price and discounted price, and it will show the discount percentage instantly.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to calculate percentage discounts is a useful skill that helps in making smarter purchasing decisions. Whether you’re buying clothes, electronics, or groceries, understanding discount calculations ensures you never fall for misleading offers. So next time you see a “Flat 30% Off” sale, you’ll know exactly how much you’re saving!